South Africa’s African National Congress has dismissed suggestions that President Cyril Ramaphosa should resign following a historic decline in its municipal election performance. The party secured approximately 31% of the vote, down from 46% in 2021, leaving it without majorities in several cities, including Johannesburg. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu insisted Ramaphosa faced no pressure to step down, rejecting reports that he had considered resigning. However, former president Thabo Mbeki publicly argued that Ramaphosa and other party leaders should accept responsibility for the poor performance and step down. With no party winning a majority in major cities, the ANC loses unilateral control of key city governments. Consequently, smaller parties gain bargaining power in coalition negotiations. The setback also intensifies questions about the ANC’s leadership and electoral recovery ahead of its December 2027 leadership contest.